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It was also later revealed that Ismalay had also arrived in the country illegally in December 2016. There was not suggestion in court that the men had been trafficked over to the UK.

Both men appeared in court today from prison via video link. Neither was said to have previous criminal convictions in the UK.

Mr Renvoize added: "There is nothing to suggest that either defendant was high up the chain and they were simply gardeners."

Mitigating for Ismalay, Mr Jonathan Masters, said: "He's trusted as a gardener to the extent that he's inside an operation, a person of that level has a degree of trust but as such under the influence of those above.

"He's here illegally. He was looking for work. It's not a thing easily done when someone is here illegally. He has made the wrong choice, but not from the position of any real power."

Mitigating for Kutona, Ms Emma Rance, said: "He is extremely sorry that he has been involved in this offence. He is a man of good character. He has never been in trouble before."

Judge Farrell told the defendants: "Your role I accept was a lesser role. However, you were both trusted and in my judgement clearly had an interest in the operation and at least some understanding and awareness of the operation."

Sentencing both men to 12 months in prison, he added: "That may well result in your deportation as is required, but that is a matter for the Border Agency."